2017 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #21: Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald by J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

“Sometimes good things come to those who wait. In the case of the Black Diamond Emerald, this is a cigar that fits the bill.”

Wrapper: Sun Grown Connecticut Maduro
Binder: Dominican (Chateau de la Fuente)
Filler: Dominican (Chateau de la Fuente)
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia)
Emerald: 6 x 52
Price: $20.00
Review: Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald by J.C. Newman Cigar Co. (9/12/17)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Brand): 1 (2017)

Coming in at #21 is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald by J.C. Newman Cigar Co. The Black Diamond is a release that has been in the works for quite a while. The story of the Black Diamond traces back to 2013 when J.C. Newman announced it was rebranding its Diamond Crown Maduro to Black Diamond. After soliciting input from consumers and retailers, the blend was changed and eventually new packaging was put in place. Fast forward to the 2016 IPCPR and a new iteration of the project was showcased. Finally, on “Black Friday” November 25, 2016, the Black Diamond would hit the shelves.

It’s hard to believe that J.C. Newman Cigar Company has not landed on the Countdown before, but this is a company that has never felt pressure to have a new release each year. In terms of the Black Diamond, there was no doubt they took their time. Black Diamond is the fifth maduro to land on the Countdown this year.

The Black Diamond features a Sun Grown wrapper from Connecticut that was aged for eight years and underwent extended fermentation. The Dominican tobaccos used in the binder and filler are grown at the Chateau de la Fuente farm and have not been used on any other blend before. As with all Diamond Crown branded cigars, the Black Diamond is made at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. The Emerald size is a classic 6 x 52 Toro.

Flavor-wise, the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald delivers a nice assortment of flavors from start to finish. This includes notes of mocha, earth, classic wood, cedar, maduro sweetness (a combination of natural tobacco and dried fruit), and a mix of red and white pepper. This is a cigar that is medium in strength and medium to full-bodied.

Black Diamond Emerald is a cigar that was worth the wait – and its one of the best under the Diamond Crown umbrella. It has earned its place on this year’s Countdown.